Sonoma man critically injured when tree falls on him

November 8, 2012, 10:47PM

11/08/2012

A Sonoma arborist was in critical condition Thursday after part of an uprooted tree being hauled by a crane snapped in half and fell on him, sheriff's officials said.

Jarrad Plaskett, 33, had been hired by a homeowner on the 19300 block of Lovall Valley Court to remove a tree from their backyard. A crane company was also hired for the job.

The tree was cut down and the crane was lifting it to the front of the property for removal, officials said.

Plaskett moved under the tree as the crane lowered it to the ground. The tree fractured and fell on top of Plaskett, officials said.

Plaskett was transported to Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa and later transferred to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. Sheriff's officials said Thursday evening that he was in critical condition. Hospital staff would not release any information.

The state Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the accident.